Bishop of Gloucester releases International Women’s Day film

The Church of England’s first female diocesan bishop has spoken of her hope of helping women ex-offenders rebuild their lives and self esteem in a new short film recorded to mark International Women’s Day.

Rt Rev Rachel Treweek talks in a film released by the Church of England about her passion to see every person know that they are made in the image of God and loved, valued and precious.

image from twitter @BishGloucester

She says that this passion led her to set up the #Liedentity social media campaign against negative body images. She is also backing a new scheme where the Diocese of Gloucester is providing a safe house in partnership with The Nelson Trust that can be used for women released from prison to be reunited with their children.

“As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am passionate about every person knowing that they are created in the image of God, that they are loved, valued and precious, that is why I have been speaking out against all the messages in our society that say that our value comes from our external appearance, that is particularly an issue for lots of girls,” Bishop Rachel said.

“Women in prison often feel devalued because of all that has gone on in their own lives. That is why I am being bold for change and working with others in the Diocese of Gloucester to make available a house that can be used for women when they come out of prison.
“I am working with a wonderful organisation, called The Nelson Trust, who are running a programme to ensure that women coming out of prison can be reunited with their children. I’m hoping that this home will enable those women to be bold for change and discover where their true value really comes from”.